Bible Strands
Matthew 20:7
‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered. So he told them, ‘You also go into my vineyard.’
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The vineyard owner addresses laborers found standing idle at the eleventh hour, instructing them to enter his vineyard after they state that no one has hired them.
The words — The verb ἐμισθώσατο (emisthōsato) means “has hired,” marking the workers’ stated reason for their delay, while λέγει (legei) records the owner’s direct command to join the work.
The thread — This moment of late inclusion aligns with the broader scriptural pattern of grace extending to those previously excluded, as seen in Ephesians 2:11 and Acts 17:30.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to accept that entry into the work depends solely on the owner’s call rather than on prior service or human calculation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
Cross-references
- Ephesians 2:11 Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh and called uncircumcised by the so-called circumcision (that done in the body by human hands)—
- Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.
- Acts 17:30 Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent.
- Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.
- Matthew 22:9 Go therefore to the crossroads and invite to the banquet as many as you can find.’
- Luke 14:21 The servant returned and reported all this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the city, and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’
- John 9:4 While it is daytime, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work.
- Acts 4:16 “What shall we do with these men?” they asked. “It is clear to everyone living in Jerusalem that a remarkable miracle has occurred through them, and we cannot deny it.
- Romans 10:14 How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach?
- Romans 16:25 Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past